Family Photos on Vancouver Island and Gabriola Island
Vancouver Island Family Portraits & Vacation Memories
Alanna did our first family photoshoot at the beach at Tigh-Na-Mara. She was amazing, I'm so happy we went with her. She was spot on with my toddler and got her smile (which can be a task!). Alanna was just so relaxed and chill, a definite quality when tiny humans are involved!
I would definitely recommend Alanna to anyone looking for a low-stress session with professional results
Kristin Orr-Coates
Alanna was warm and friendly and helped so much keeping our kids focused and happy!
I am impressed with her response time and ability to meet the needs of what we were looking for.
Our photos are gorgeous. Would highly recommend Alanna!
Sara Tyson
Spring & Summer Family Photo Packages 2026
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Alanna is your Vancouver Island family photographer for naturally beautiful family photos in Nanaimo, Parksville and throughout Vancouver Island.
I don’t charge travel fees for Gabriola Island.
Alanna specializes in capturing timeless family photos across Vancouver Island at many scenic locations including Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Nanaimo, Nanoose Bay, Ladysmith, Victoria, Campbell River, Tofino and Gabriola Island.
Whether you're a local or visiting Vancouver Island for a vacation, I'm here to create unforgettable family portraits and assist you in discovering picturesque backdrops for your cherished memories
For family photos in Victoria, Comox, Tofino or other locations outside of central Vancouver Island please reach out to discuss availability and travel fees.
Don't be shy! I love to shoot in new locations so if you have a special place in mind for your family photo session, let's discuss.
Whether you're looking for a forest, beach, waterfall, mountain or urban setting, I have scouted and explored a large list of naturally beautiful hidden gems and the best popular spots that we can choose from for your family portraits or vacation photos.
Sessions are typically held in Central Vancouver Island and Gabriola Island from Qualicum Beach. Additional travel fees may apply for other locations including Victoria, Sooke, Port McNeill and the Gulf Islands.
For more info on maternity & newborn sessions, childhood documentary moments, or group family portraits and events, please follow these links
Family Photos with Alanna D Photography
What to expect for your family photo session on Vancouver Island.
In every family session, my mission is to capture those priceless moments where everyone is beaming with joy, creating picture-perfect memories that you'll proudly display on your walls. But it doesn't stop there!
We'll dive into the fun, keeping the energy high and the smiles genuine, while seamlessly transitioning between posed portraits and candid snapshots. Whether we're chasing little ones or striking a pose, I thrive on making the experience natural and enjoyable for everyone involved. And if you prefer a quick and easy session focused on classic poses, count me in—I'm here to cater to your family dynamic for photos that are really you.
Let's turn your family moments into naturally beautiful, memorable photos.
Whether you're looking for a family portrait session, maternity at one of our amazing scenic beaches at sunset, or even newborn photography, or backyard photos with your pets, I offer a range of packages to suit your needs.
Let’s discuss your ideal session and find an outdoor location that suits your family's unique style and considers any strollers or mobility needs for your family members. I have a long list of unique and beautiful backdrops for your photos.
I am familiar with many locations that are mobility friendly, or private and secluded, or amazing viewpoints that you may not have experienced before.
My style is colorful, natural, energetic and timeless, for photos that all of your family will love with a mix of candids and posed shots included.
“Alanna shot family photos for us and we could not be happier with the results. She made everyone feel at ease and we all enjoyed the shoot!
Thank you Alanna!”
What to Expect When Planning Your Session
I work with you to accommodate any mobility/accessibility needs and help guide your session at a suitable location for your extended family
I will recommend various locations to fit your desired background. From isolated beaches and hidden gems to forest trails, mountain-top viewpoints and popular local destinations
Pets are welcome in your sessions and in my studio, please mention ahead of time to confirm if our session location is a good fit for your pets
At home sessions are available too! If you want sweet memories from your own home or backyard, I am happy to come to you.
I offer a Client Closet with a few select dresses, tops, skirts, and accessories in sizes Sm-XL for maternity sessions and family or newborn sessions so mom doesn’t have to stress about having something to wear. Click here to view the client closet gallery.
If you are most excited about candids and natural interactions, full sessions allow more time for group and candid photos, outfit changes and different locations.
I will send you a prep guide to help plan your outfits and prepare for our session.
All packages include an edited preview gallery where you can choose your favourite images based on your package. These images will be edited and made available in high resolution for downloading so you can print them on your own and share them with family and friends.
The gallery is also set up for easy DIY ordering (at an additional charge) of prints, albums and gifts right from our Toronto-based printing
I value your privacy. I am SO excited to share photos from my sessions, but if you do not wish for your photos to be shared on social media or my website please let me know. These are YOUR moments and I value your privacy, just let me know!
Turnaround Time - for family portraits my turnaround time is typically 3-5 weeks for you to receive your edited gallery after your session.
Your Vancouver Island family portrait session should be fun and easy. Posed moments and candids are both part of our session.
I capture the traditional family shots of everyone smiling, hugging, and sharing moments together, the kind of photos that grandparents love to have.
There’s also time to relax and play and let kids (and grandparents!) be themselves so we can catch candid in-the-moment photos that are fun and real.
Our sessions move quickly and many of my clients comment that it felt like a really quick amount of time, we just keep going with the flow and having fun with anything we find.
I specialize in toddler chasing and making myself seem ridiculous for the sake of some smiles or cute candid photos.
I might be wearing rubber boots or summer attire with plans to step INTO the water for certain sessions, and you’re encouraged to wear what you like and plan to think outside of the box for playful moments too.
Puddle jumping, wave splashing, bubble guns, ice cream treats, tickling mom and dad, piggyback rides and group hugs are all encouraged.
I love all things nature, animals, farms and gardens and even urban landscapes. If you have a special location uniquely accessible for your family, including your own backyard, I am open to working in most settings.